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Xbox 360 | RPG | Sacred 2: Fallen Angel

Publisher: Ascaron
Developer: Ascaron Ent. GmbH
Release Date: TBA
Genre: RPG
Number of Players: 1
ESRB Rating: R/P
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Feature: How Sacred 2 will change hack-and-slash gaming

Feature by Sid Shuman | 05/09/2008 | 14:52:09 PM PST

GamePro sits down with Ascaron Entertainment to discuss Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, in a two-part interview. We've got all the details on the upcoming title, from online play and the single player story, to character classes and boss fights. In part I , find out what Sacred 2 does to set itself apart from other hack and slash titles like Hellgate: London!

*** Questions answered by Daniel Dumont, Heiko tom Felde, and Jens Eischeid of Ascaron Entertainment.***

GamePro: Sacred II is another game with influences dating back to Diablo. First off, how will Sacred II appeal to Diablo fans? Second, how does it improve upon that time-tested formula?

AE: Sacred 2 will appeal to all people who are interested in fantasy RPGs with unique designs and strong stories. The influence of Diablo is just part of the backbone, but isn't the only influence.

In a sentence or two, what is the basic plot? Why are players out hacking and slashing monsters?

AE: In Sacred 2, we have a very advanced storyline. It's nothing as simple as, "a magic gateway is opened, and the hero must save the world from demons."

We wanted to create a completely unique and interesting story for players, so we asked game design legend Bob Bates to help us with the main story. The outcome of this cooperation is a story about "T-Energy" in the world of Sacred 2.

***For more on the story don't miss part II of GamePro's Q&A.***

T-energy will be more fully explored in Sacred 2

What would you say is the "hook" of Sacred 2? What are the one or two things that you're most proud of and feel are the most unique?

AE: There are many reasons to be proud of Sacred 2, just picking two is really difficult. That said, one of the things we are proud of is how our technology is going to advance online multiplayer gameplay.

We have a technology that allows an instant "drop-in" feature during the single-player campaign, creating a cooperative gameplay experience that supports up to eight people. If you "open up" your game on our server (which is free of charge) while you play, other gamers can join your game after you approve their request. You can also set up buddy lists, and find new friends to play Sacred 2 with.

Players will find this useful either when they are up against a boss, or a dangerous mob. If you need help, you can contact a buddy with the click of a button, and they can then come help and fight. Your friends can instantly join in on the game, and it does not affect their campaign, except in that they earn additional experience and items.

The Shadow Warrior class is able to cast a protective barrier to heighten defense.

Another feature that we are proud of is one in which players can set up their own PvP fights with friends in areas they choose. This kind of function offers more freedom to play with your friends. Your character becomes free to travel around the world, as the gameplay melds single-player and multiplayer into one "mode."

It sounds like online play is a major component in Sacred 2. Can you elaborate on how the online modes work?

AE: Sacred 2 will have an extensive online mode. We will have Open and Closed networking, as well as LAN play. This will allow players the choice of either setting up a game server of their own, or connecting to an existing one. Servers will support up to 16 players, depending on which mode is selected. LAN, and Open/ Closed Net will have all game modes available. These modes include campaign, PVP, and PVE. Players will also be able to choose which difficulty level they want when either setting up, or joining a server.

Sacred 2 is not limited to online gaming either. As we had in Sacred 1, players will be able to play single player offline.

You've mentioned that there are some tough bosses in Sacred 2. Are the bosses giant monsters, and can you describe any of them? What are the boss battles like? Do they have any interesting abilities?

AE:We will have a strong boss monster for every region in the game. In addition to the boss monsters, there will be several dragons that you can fight. Ahh, and before I forget...you can fly a dragon! Naturally boss monsters (and bigger monsters) will give the players much better loot so that players will want to fight against them.

The Stone Golem can summon earth elements, making for a tough battle.

One of the bosses is the Stone Golem. This is a very big creature, made of stone and brought to life by T-Energy. He can summon earth elements to fight against the players, and can smash the ground, which causes stones to rain down on players from above. Of course, he also has special attacks.

Depending on the condition a boss is in during combat, he will make use of different attacks. If you're fighting the fire demon and he gets close to death, he will teleport away and try to gather new energy and heal. While he's hiding from you the demons he's summoned will try to keep you busy and away from him.